7 Energy Saving Tips for Homes in 2018

Small household changes can add up to big annual savings on homeowner energy bills.

$130 billion – that’s how much Americans collectively lose in one year on wasted energy. Are you wondering how to cut back on your annual energy losses and contribute less to that colossal number? Rockford Homes is here to help homeowners get the most out of their Central Ohio real estate! Not only do we build homes with lower HERS ratings than the industry average, but we also help keep you informed on all of the big (and little) things you can do to become more energy efficient.

We have compiled seven long-term and short-term solutions to ensure your household can capitalize on energy savings!

Long-Term Solutions

Get With the Program (mable Thermostats) – $180+ Annual Savings

With the growth in popularity of digital assistant devices (Alexa, Google Home, Echo, etc.), Smart Homes are another key trend to look out for in 2018. And at the base of the Smart Home is the smart thermostat. These programmable thermostats allow you to “schedule” certain temperatures throughout the day. For example, you can lower the temperature while you are scheduled to be at work and raise it as you’re commuting home. Some products are even more advanced and allow you to control the temperature of your home over WiFi on your smartphone or computer. By turning your HVAC system off or simply dialing it back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you could save upwards of 10% on your energy bill each year.

Shoot for the Star – $45 (up to $210) Annual Savings

Next time you are looking to upgrade any of your home appliances, look for a verified Energy Star appliance. These products use less resources and can typically save around $45 per year compared to their conventional competitors. The difference is even greater when compared to conventional appliances over 10 years old, potentially saving you around $210 per year.

Most Popular Energy Star Certified Appliances Include:

  • Washers & Dryers
  • Refrigerators & Freezers
  • Dishwashers
  • Air Purifiers

The full list of Energy Star-verified products can be found here.

Treat Your Windows Right – 18-20% Annual Savings

Another path to increasing your energy cash savings is to consider investing in long-term window infrastructures. Insulated panels are an economical option to provide extra insulation – and could even be considered a DIY project! Similarly, storm panels contribute to proper household energy protection. Residential window films are also an excellent resource when it comes to blocking harmful UV radiation, providing an added layer of aesthetic privacy and, of course, decreasing your monthly energy bills.

Short-Term Solutions:

Cool Your Jets – $60 Annual Savings

One of the simplest ways to save on your utilities is to opt for the “C” instead of the “H” when performing daily tasks. If you can handle it, get in the routine of taking cold showers. Not only do they cut down on heat usage, but they have their own set of health benefits as well. And remember to rinse your load of laundry in cold water instead of hot water! Three-fourths of the energy used during the laundry process comes from the heat – and running your clothes through the washer under 60 degrees Fahrenheit could save around $60 each year.

Check Your Filter – $270 Annual Savings

Our home air filters are out-of-sight, so it is easy for them to become out-of-mind. Depending on your current average monthly spending, you could save up to $270 per year just by refreshing your air filter. The issue here is that your heating and cooling system can’t properly register your homes temperature, causing it to run longer and harder than it actually might need to. Do your HVAC system a favor and replace the filter every 3 months if you don’t have pets, every 2 if you do. Your energy bills, allergies and air quality will thank you!

Draw Your Blinds – Up to 8% Annual Savings

During the hot summer months, be sure to close those blinds, shades and drapes. All the sunlight pouring in through the windows directly adds to your energy bills, while also creating pockets of heat and invisible clouds of uneven temperature distribution. Making sure your windows are covered will save energy from your cooling unit and increase cost-effectiveness in your household.

LE(a)D the Switch – $163 Lifespan Savings Per Bulb

LED light bulbs are more expensive, so why should you choose them over CFL or incandescent bulbs? You may dish out a few extra bucks initially for those LEDs, but making the switch could save you about $163 throughout their lifespan. LEDs are far and away more energy efficient than any other household lighting option, lasting a solid 23,800 hours longer than incandescent bulbs and 17,000 hours longer than CFL bulbs. And if that’s not enough, there’s no telling how much you’ll save on gas after cutting out all those frequent trips to the hardware store when those other light bulbs cut short!

Looking for a home that has energy efficiency built into its foundation? At Rockford Homes, sustainability is a top priority! Contact us today for more information on your next dream home.

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